Cocos nucifera L.

 

Family: Arecaceae

Synonym: Calappa nucifera (L.) Kuntze

Vernacular name: Thengu, Coconut

Habit: Tree

Habitat: Cultivated

Distribution: Cultivated throughout the tropics

Flowering and Fruiting: Throughout the year

Key identification features: Erect trees with annular petiolar scars. Leaves pinnatisect, Spadices interfoliar, panicled. Flowers monoecious; male flowers often paired, with ovate sepals, yellowish-brown petals. Female flowers basal, globose; Drupe ovoid or globose with fibrous pericarp and stony endocarp.

Uses: Coconut flesh is high in fat and can be dried or eaten fresh. Coconut water consumed fresh and used in beverages. The harvested coconut also yields copra.